Method of controlling train consist

ABSTRACT

A method to control a train consist by an off-board train control system is provided. The method includes retrieving train sequence initialization data from a plurality of car control devices. The train sequence initialization data is retrieved via an on-board locomotive control system. The method of retrieval includes automatically fetching the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system from the plurality of car control devices, via an electronically controlled pneumatic brake system. Thereafter, the method includes, transmitting the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system to the off-board train control system. Further, the train consist is controlled based on the train sequence initialization data retrieved from the plurality of car control devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method of train control. Moreparticularly, to a method for electronically controlled pneumatic braketrain sequence initialization.

BACKGROUND

A train consist may be configured with one or more locomotives and oneor more railcars. With the train consist extending over a mile in lengthin some situations, it is necessary to maintain suitable distancesbetween the trains and manage rail traffic. Typically, to manage railtraffic train tracks are divided into blocks and an automatic trainprotection signaling system determines whether a train can travel in thenext block. A signaling system typically includes an off board backoffice to manage rail network traffic, and an on board component tocommunicate with the controlling locomotive. In this disclosure, the onboard component of the signaling system is combined with the locomotivecontrol system. The signaling system will dictate the appropriate speed,route, and the braking of the train consist.

A signaling system can continuously, through its connected network of onboard locomotive controller and wayside system sensors, manage railtraffic, in an automatic or semi-automatic manner.

In order to manage rail traffic, it is important that the signalingsystem includes a map of the rail road system and have the ability tolocate the train's location. In addition, it becomes essential for thesignaling system to have accurate train sequence initialization data.The train sequence initialization data includes information on thenumber of railcars in a train consist, type of rail cars in the trainconsist, type of locomotive and other train characteristics such as,power, braking system, order of rail cars, and length of the trainconsist. The train sequence initialization data can be used by thesignaling system to control rail traffic, convey instruction to anon-board locomotive control system, automatic train operation systemsfor route guidance and locomotive control, automatic train protectionsystems, monitoring locomotive health and instructingcondition-monitoring system etc.

In an ideal situation, a train would travel with same configuration andtrain sequence initialization data may not change. However, inactuality, railcars are added or removed from the train consist. Addingor removing railcars or locomotives in the train consist changes thetrain's sequence initialization data, The resulting change in the trainsequence initialization data, including the number and kind of railcarsand locomotives, must be initialized and continuously updated to theon-board locomotive control system in the train. This update can occurduring start-up and may be supplied to the off-board train controlsystem.

Typically, the train sequence initialization data is manually input byan operator of the train at the on-board locomotive control system inthe locomotive, during start-up of the train.

However, manually inputting the train sequence initialization data iserror prone and operator may fault on part of updating the trainsequence initialization data whenever new railcars/locomotives are addedto, or removed from, the train consist. This is further amplified withthe frequency of the movement of various types of trains on railwaytracks.

World Intellectual Property Organisation patent application 2002,022,425(the '425 patent application) discloses an integrated train controlsystem configured to determine the condition of each car and locomotivesin the train and transmits over a trainline individualized brake signalsto each car and locomotive and individualized propulsion signals to eachlocomotive. However, the '425 patent does not describe updating trainsequence initiation data.

The presently disclosed system s directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A method to control a train consist by an off-board train control systemis provided. The method includes automatic retrieval of the trainsequence initialization data from the car control devices by theoff-board train control system via electronically controlled pneumaticbrake system. Furthermore, the method of retrieval includes,transmitting the train sequence initialization data by the on-boardlocomotive control system to the off-board train control system. Inaddition, the method includes controlling the train consist based on thetrain sequence initialization data retrieved from the plurality of carcontrol devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary train consist, in accordance with theconcepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electronically controlledpneumatic brake (ECPB) system of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method of controlling atrain consist 10 by an off-board signaling system, in accordance withthe concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical train consist 10 including alocomotive 12 coupled to a plurality of rail cars 14 in accordance withthe concepts of the present disclosure. The train consist 10 includes alocomotive 12 followed by a plurality of rail cars 14. In an embodiment,any combination of locomotives 12 and a plurality of rail cars 14 can beincluded in the train consist 10.

The train consist 10 is controlled by an on-board locomotive controlsystem (LCS) 16. The on-board LCS 16 can be a microprocessor basedcontrol system that controls the operations of the train, such asengine, power generation, propulsion, and brakes, and can be configuredto control the train stopping and speed of the train consist 10. Theon-board LCS 16 automatically tracks the location of the train consist10 and includes a database of train characteristics, braking performanceand engine performance. The on-board LCS 16 may also include a mapdatabase that represents the track layout, speed limits, track grades,route information, locations of all of the train stations positionedalong a track and any other relevant position data. The information inthe map database is transmitted by the on-board LCS 16 to an off-boardtrain control system 18. The off-board train control system 18 can be aremote server configured to communicate wirelessly with the on-board LCS16 and send command signals to control the train consist 10. In oneembodiment, the off-board train control system 18 may be a remotesignaling system configured to control the rail traffic based on theinformation shared by the on-board LCS 16. A typical signaling system isan off-board train control system 18 configured to continuously, throughits connected network of on-board LCS 16 and wayside system sensors,manage rail traffic. The on-board LCS 16 of the locomotive 12communicates with the remote signaling system through a communicationgateway 20. In one embodiment, the communication gateway 20 may includea controller, a memory connected to the controller, and a wirelesscommunication interface configured to connect the on-board LCS 16. Thecommunication gateway 20 may include a set of protocols to enablewireless communication between the signaling system and the on-board LCS16 of the train consist 10.

The locomotive consist 10 also includes an electronically controlledpneumatic brake (ECPB) system 22. The ECPB system 22 is furtherdescribed in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the ECPB system 22. The train consist10 employs the ECPB system 22 to apply braking to the locomotive 12 andthe plurality of rail cars 14. The ECPB system 22 is generally locatedon the locomotive 12 and can include a plurality of mechanical andelectrical components that cooperate to brake the train consist 10.Typically, the ECPB system 22 includes a compressed air source 24, andbrake cylinders (not shown) for applying and releasing brakes on thelocomotive 12 and the plurality of rail cars 14. In addition, the ECPBsystem 22 includes a brake controller 26 and a brake line 28. The brakeline 28 is a brake pipeline that can carry compressed air or vacuumpressure between the locomotive 12 and the plurality of rail cars 14.For example, when a signal to apply brakes is commanded by the on-boardICS 16, the brake controller 26 commands a valve unit (not shown) toapply brake. Based on the signal, the brake line 28 transfers airpressure from the compressed air source 24 to the brake cylinders on thelocomotive 12 and each car of the plurality of rail cars 14. Compressedair, from the compressed air source 24 such as an air compressor in theECPB system 22, is sent from one car to another car by the brake line 28made up of pipes and hoses beneath each rail car of the plurality ofrail car 14 and the locomotive 12. Compressed air pushes on a piston inthe brake cylinders (not shown). The piston push a set of brake shoes torub on the train wheels, causing the friction to slow the train consist10.

The brake line 28 is in fluid communication with all of the cars andlocomotives. The brake line 28 is thus capable of providing thenecessary air pressure to the brakes of each car for braking operations.The brake line 28 pressure is supplied by the ECPB system 22 andcontrolled by the ECPB system 22 and the car control devices 30.

The ECPB system 22 includes a Car Control Device (CCD) 30 on each railcar of the plurality of rail cars 14. The CCD 30 can provide forelectronically controlled brake applications. In one embodiment, the CCD30 can be a computer based control module, which receives andcommunicates instructions to and from the brake controller 26. The CCD30 can include an electronic control module, power managementelectronics, pressure transducers, proportional solenoids, andcombination of relay valves. The CCD 30 can store information such astrain sequence initialization data. The train sequence initializationdata includes information on the rail car identity information, type ofrail cars, type and count of locomotive 12 in the train consist 10 andother train configuration such as, braking system, order of rail cars,and length of train consist 10. The CCD 30 is mounted on each rail carand is in communication with the brake controller 26 and is powered byan ECPB train line 32 extending the length of the train consist 10.

The ECPB train line 32 is a two-conductor electric wire spanning thelength of the train consist 10 and carrying both electrical power tooperate all CCD 30 devices and communications network signals.

The ECPB train line 32 acts as a communication link between the CCD 30and the brake controller 26 of the ECPB system 22 so that the trainsequence initialization data from each CCD 30 can be provided to theLocomotive Control Unit (LCS) 16. In this manner, the ECPB system 22provides an ability for individual train cars of the plurality of railcars 14 to communicate with each other and the on-board LCS 16, via theECPB train line 32. The on-board LCS 16 thus has the ability to fetchthe train sequence initialization data gathered through the ECPB trainline 32 and communicate the fetched train sequence initialization datato the off-board train control system 18.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart 34 depicting a method for controlling a trainconsist 10 by the off-board train control system 18.

At step 36, the method is initiated. The method proceeds to step 38.

At step 38, the method proceeds to retrieving train sequenceinitialization data from the CCD 30. The method to retrieve trainsequence initialization data is conducted via the ECPB system 22 via theECPB train line 32. The plurality of CCD 30 are microprocessor basedcontrol devices configured to store train sequence initialization datapertaining to the individual rail car identity, type of rail cars, typeand count of locomotive 12 in the train consist 10 and other traincharacteristic information such as, braking system, order of rail cars,and length of train consist 10. Thereafter the method proceeds to step38.

At step 40, the train sequence initialization data is fetched by theon-board LCS 16 from the ECPB system 22. Hence, at step 40, the trainsequence initialization data is automatically fetched by the ECPB system22 through the ECPB train line 32 and automatically updated to theon-board LCS 16. For example, the on-board LCS 16 may query theplurality of CCD 30 at a predetermined time interval and fetch theupdated train sequence initialization data. The ECPB system 22 enablesan integrated system to control brake system and communicate the trainsequence initialization data of each rail car of the plurality of railcar 14. Thereafter, the method proceeds to step 42.

At step 42, the train sequence initialization data fetched from theplurality of CCD 30 is transmitted by the on-board LCS 16 to theoff-board train control system 18. The on-board LCS 16 may be incommunication with the off-board train control system 18 via thecommunication gateway 20. In one embodiment, the communication gateway20 can be a wireless system configured to establish a communication linkbetween the on-board LCS 16 and the off-board train control system 18,such as the signaling system. Thereafter, the method proceeds to step44.

At step 44, the method for retrieving train sequence initialization dataprovides for controlling the train consist 10. The train sequenceinitialization data received by the off-board train control system 18 isprocessed and a corresponding control signal is transmitted back to theon-board LCS 16. For example, updated train sequence initialization dataretrieved from the plurality of CCD 30 may indicate increase in thelength of the train consist 10. Based on this information the off-boardtrain control system 18 may command another train following the trainconsist 10 to slow down and increase the gap between the following trainand the train consist 10. In another example, the updated train sequenceinitialization data retrieved from the plurality of CCD 30 may indicatean increase in the weight of the train consist 10. Hence, based on theupdated train sequence initialization data the off-board train controlsystem 18 may update the braking profile in the on-board LCS 16 toprovide for sufficient braking distance. Thereafter, the methodterminates.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In operation, the locomotive consist 10 may include the locomotive 12and the plurality of rail cars 14. The locomotive 12 is equipped withthe on-board LCS 16. The on-board LCS 16 includes information about theconfiguration of the train, such as type of brake system, whether an airbrake system or vacuum brake system. LCS may also store informationabout the location of the locomotive 12 and planned route path of thetrain consist 10.

The on-board LCS 16 is in communication with the off-board train controlsystem 18 and ECPB system 22. The off-board train control system 18 is asignaling system configured to control rail traffic and command signalsto the on-board LCS 16 to control the train consist 10.

Each rail car of the plurality of rail cars 14 is equipped with anindividual CCD 30. Individual CCD 30 of the plurality of the rail cars14 is configured to store train sequence initialization data such as therail car type or road number. For example, the CCD 30 will haveinformation whether the rail car is a freight car, a passenger car, oran oil tanker. The train sequence information is communicated to theon-board LCS 16 via the ECPB train line 32 of the ECPB system 22. Inother words, each CCD 30 may identify itself and communicate theinformation to the on-board LCS 16. The on-board LCS 16 may process thisinformation fetched from the plurality of the CCD 30 and calculate trainparameters such has how many freight cars are in the train consist 10,or what is the total weight or the overall length of the train consist10. Thereafter, the on-board LCS 16 wirelessly transmits the fetchedtrain sequence initialization data to the off-board train control system18. The on-board LCS 16 may be configured to fetch the train sequenceinitialization data at a predefined time interval from the plurality ofthe CCD 30. In one example, the train consist 10 may drop some cars at adestination and add few more cars. In this example, the on-board LCS 16at the predefine time interval in query the plurality of the CCD 30through the ECPB train line 32 and fetch the updated train sequenceinitialization data. This updated information is processed by theon-board LCS 16 and transmitted to the off-board train control system18. For example, if the train consist 10 drops two empty cars and addnine loaded cars, the length and the weight of the train consist 10changes. This change in the train sequence initialization data iscommunicated to the off-board train control system 18, via the CCD 30,through the ECPB train line 32, and through the communication gateway 20of the on-board LCS 16. In return, the off-board train control system 18may send an adjusted brake command signal for the train consist 10,matching the updated weight and length of the train consist 10. Hence,the ECPB system 22 together with the ECPB train line 32 provides anintegrated electronically controlled pneumatic brake train sequenceinitialization system.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration,various modifications or variations may be made without deviating fromthe spirit or scope of inventive features claimed herein. Otherembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and figures and practice of thearrangements disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification anddisclosed examples be considered as exemplary only, with a trueinventive scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling a train consist by an off-board train control system, the method comprising: retrieving train sequence initialization data from a plurality of car control devices, via an on-board locomotive control system, wherein retrieval includes: automatically fetching the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system from the plurality of the car control devices, via an electronically controlled pneumatic brake system; transmitting the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system to the off-board train control system; and controlling the train consist based on the train sequence initialization data retrieved from the plurality of car control devices. 